Tuesday, 18 July 2017

Gannets

Dungeness - 0730hrs - warm, dry, sunny, e3 - We joined DW by the seawatch hide for a scan of the sea where at least 200 Gannets were busily feeding offshore. Our largest seabird is a given at any time of the year here, but infrequently in these kind of numbers and as always a marvellous spectacle when seen plunge diving on high for fish.
Closer to shore smaller, mixed flocks of gulls and terns were mopping up whitebait just below the surface and included in their ranks at least two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls, two Kittiwakes and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull. Several Porpoises were also in on the feast of fish, while a party of Sand Martins struck out for France and beyond.Lade - The wind picked up this afternoon followed by cloud cover and high humidity. A check of the lakes delivered 11 Little Egrets and a juvenile Marsh Harrier of note, while there was little bird activity on the bay, but plenty of kite surfers enjoying the strong wind.